Bechbretha ‘bee-judgements’ provides a detailed account of early Irish law relating to bee-keeping, and covers such tropics as ownership of swarms, theft of bee-hives, and neighbours’ entitlements to honey from a beekeeper. The author also refers to the law-case which resulted from the blinding by a bee-sting of the eye of the Ulster king Congal Caech (637). On linguistic and historical grounds, the editors date this remarkably well –preserved text to the seventh century AD.

This volume includes a description of the manuscripts, linguistic and legal introductions, an account of early Irish bee-keeping, a restored text with translation, and textural notes. The appendixes contain other Irish legal texts relating to bee-keeping, as well as Medieval Welsh legal material on this topic.

This excellently researched book is not only of interest to Nottinghamshire beekeepers but to all who have an interest in the history of beekeeping. The long years of Queen Victoria’s reign was an important time in the development of the craft and its organisation.

The wide ranging contents are a mixture of longer extracts from contemporary sources complimented by shorter items which add much to this marvellous picture of Victorian beekeeping. For example the theft of hives were rewarded by jail terms, often with hard labour and solitary confinement. Would this deter the bee rustlers of today?

Beekeeping in Victorian Nottinghamshire joins David Charles title on Somerset beekeeping as a must read for all those interested in the development of the craft.

Following on from the work “Beekeeping in Victorian Nottinghamshire” which covered the reign of Queen Victoria from her accession in 1837 until her death in 1901, this work covers the half-century from then to the death in 1952 of King George VI. (During the period of this work Britain was ruled by ruled by three kings plus one who relinquished the crown – hence the title.)

This rare set of 30 chromo-lithograph plates, 12″x18″, was printed in Milan in 1875 by Francesco Clerici, under the auspices of the Italian Beekeepers’ Association. The original microscopic drawings were by Count Gaetano Barbo, and the lithographer was Fenghi.

As an introduction to instrumental insemination this publication addresses the frequently asked questions about the technique. The answers are meant to give direction to further inquiry and to help evaluate the need and what is involved in mastering this skill.

Commercial queen producers recognise the need for more rigorous programs to select, improve and maintain their breeding stocks. The public awareness of “CCD” and the movement of Africanised honey bees adds to this urgency. The development of micro-breeders and programs to select locally adapted and survival stock becoming more prevalent. Given these issues and concerns, a method of controlled mating is essential in achieving the goals of selective breeding.

This weighty tome of 414 pages pages, generously illustrated throughout, provides the reader with detailed information on many aspects of beekeeping. Each section of the book is authored by differed writers who show that they have a deep interest in their chosen subject and who are able to express clearly the knowledge that they have gained from years of experience in the craft.There are five main sections to the book:1. Bees and Beekeeping History – by Sharon Sweeny-Lynch and BKQs Sally Bucknall.2. Understanding the Honeybee – Richard Jones.3. Practical Beekeeping – Claire Waring.4. Honey and Other Bee Products – Richard Jones.5 Recipes and Home Crafts – Sarah BanberryThe book is international in scope and there are some very welcome fresh illustrations (far too often the same pictures are frequently used especially as regards beekeeping history) – which shows that the picture researchers were very diligent in their task. The size and prominence of the pictures not only clarifies the text, but adds enormously to the design of the book giving the work much visual appeal.

Professor Clarence Collison has performed the meticulous scholarship so desperately needed by beekeepers and scientists alike. He has reviewed the vast body of research: the biology, physiology, biochemistry and behaviour of Apis mellifera and presented it in an concise and objective manner. This book will be required reading of all serious bee scientists, and on the desk of every beekeeper for fact-checking and scientific clarification. (Lawrence John Connor)

This collection of Questions & Answers was chosen from the best of nearly two decades of testing the readers of Bee Culture. They cover every aspect of honey bee biology, colony management, pollination, and the products of the hive.

There are over 400 pages and just over 2,550 questions, and answers, in this book. Now’s your chance to test your beekeeping knowledge. No matter how long you’ve been keeping bees, when you’re done you’ll know more about this craft, and be a better beekeeper.